Leanne Ford’s unexpected approach to styling white bedding
Confession: I’ve never been someone who uses white bedding. Even as someone who loves neutral spaces, a plain white bedsheet has always felt really rather boring and verging on sterile.
So, I was surprised to find myself drawn to the guest bedroom in designer Leanne Ford’s rustic project. Not only does it feature a white duvet cover and white pillow cases, but even the headboard is covered in white fabric. It’s a linen-drenched bedding setup.
Usually, this look would repel me, but this linen-drenched bed design is a lesson in getting it right. It turns out, making white bedding look chic is all about texture – and Leanne’s design has it in abundance.
All-white bedding sort of goes against all of this year’s interior design trends. Pattern, print, and color are at the forefront of trending styles this year – even a neutral decorator like me is gravitating towards bedding that’s a bit more interesting.
But Leanne’s latest project makes a compelling case for white bed sheets. She’s drenched the entire bed in linen – and the matching headboard is something new and unexpected that really elevates the whole design.
And the reason it works so well? It’s the texture – it adds visual interest that prevents the bed from feeling flat and unfinished. It takes away the need to add pattern or contrasting pillows – the linen’s naturally imperfect finish does all the work.
The white bedding feels light and airy, reminiscent of summer days, with that sort of ruffled texture that gives the scheme an unfussy yet still beautifully curated look. But it’s not the bedding alone to credit for this chic scheme.
The narrow wall panels add a lot of texture to the room, which feels busier than the standard shiplap, so the plain white look of the bedding becomes a calmer, more simplistic element to add balance to the bedroom.
There’s also the contrast of the decor – the vintage wall light and the oversized, brown-tone abstract artwork add warmth and tonal interest, so the bedding doesn’t have to do all of the heavy lifting.
I think this room is a reminder that not every element needs to be a bold, busy design. It’s also a lesson in how to get white bedding right – using a beautifully textured fabric like linen and introducing that unexpected headboard moment has really worked. It adds the impact and wow-factor every bedroom needs without overwhelming.
Shop the look
Linen-Blend Duvet Cover Set
This 3-piece linen bedding set from H&M is a stylish choice. It’s lightweight and has the beautifully textured look that we see in Leanne’s space. It’s available as a single, double, or king-size set and is perfect for the summer season. Good price too.
Lumi Textured Throw Pillow
If, like me, your bed never feels quite complete without a few dozen throw pillows, this textural design is the perfect addition. It’s a sophisticated way to experiment with a new texture without the commitment of a full bedding set.
100% Linen Throw Blanket with Fringe
A throw blanket is another affordable way to experiment with the texture in your bedding. This 100% linen throw from Amazon offers that cozy rustic vibe while being machine washable – low maintenance yet utterly stylish.
Part of Target’s Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee collection, this pleated lamp shade is the perfect way to spruce up your bedside lamps. The pleated design paired with a fresh white colorway is perfect for adding texture to a neutral bedroom.
If you really want to embrace Leanne’s linen-drenched bed look, why not add a bed skirt into the mix? This linen design is a great way to bring texture to every inch of your space – plus, skirted furniture is a growing and enduring trend right now.
Not everyone gets on with the natural feel of linen bedding, but this muslin set is a great alternative. It still has that beautifully textured look, but it’s a little bit softer. It’s a slightly different look, but it will have the same impact as Leanne’s linen set.
Leanne’s guest bedroom design has convinced me to give textured white bedding a go for a relaxed yet sophisticated summer bedroom. I’ve never tried linen sheets before, but heard good things; they’re breathable, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic, everything you need during the warmer months. And if this space is anything to go by, it looks stylish too.
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